DUGOUT DADS: Episodes 1.1-1.3
This comical short series transports you back to the 90s.
Should You Watch It?
Yes. Patrick Renna takes viewers back to 1993 when THE SANDLOT originally came out. Renna brings back the original cast from the movie, who all play original characters in DUGOUT DADS. Renna also includes Easter Eggs, like his famous “Play Ball” yell.
Young children may not understand some references if they have never seen THE SANDLOT, but they'll enjoy these episodes for the comedy alone. Renna plays the dad who coaches his son and daughter in baseball. However, he remains the “new guy,” so the other coaches rag on him the most.
The little league commissioner, played by Tom Guiry, has it out for Renna for wanting the kids to have fun and fall in love with baseball rather than win games.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESThe season opens with Renna and his assistant coach, Chauncey Leopardi, excited to finally get a chance to coach their kids in Little League. While Renna wants to evaluate all the kids fairly, the other coaches focus on certain players. Renna then pipes up and states that he wants the kids to fall in love with baseball and wants everyone to get along. The other coaches and the commissioner dismiss Renna. The episode ends with Renna asking where Chauncey’s son is, and Chauncey remembers that he actually forgot to bring him.
Is It Any Good?
This series deserves every bit of its three stars. The opening scenes feature a stunning drone shot of the city, the baseball field, and Renna’s house, effectively establishing the series' setting. Filming most of the show at an actual Little League complex adds to the immersive experience. Renna also incorporates strong morals, wholesome family content, and comedy throughout the series.
Viewers follow Renna to the baseball field, his home, and even to the concession stand for a slushie. The blend of humor and a compelling storyline captivates both adults and children alike. The calm moments between Renna and his wife, Danielle, enhance the series. Danielle supports her husband and helps calm his nerves as he coaches for the first time. She even prepares a separate batch of cookies, knowing he would likely mess up his own.
The Worldview
Though the show never mentions the Bible directly, a strong moral and biblical worldview runs through every episode. Renna cares about the kids and pushes them to love baseball itself, not just to win. He also stands up for the kids when the coaches sort out the teams. Renna wants fair teams, but the other coaches call kids "trash."
That line probably echoes real talk among kids today, but Renna still insists, more than once, that no one should call a 10-year-old trash. A moment between a father and son also lands as heartfelt and wholesome.
At the first practice, everything seems to go wrong for Renna. He hits a kid in the face with a ball by accident, hands a kid with a peanut allergy actual peanuts, then loses another kid entirely. When he gets home, the day clearly weighs on him, and he turns to his wife for comfort.
Still, two moments cross into obscenity. First, Renna takes the Lord's name in vain when he can't get through to the other coaches. Then, in episode three, he loses his temper and rants, "I should just screw myself..." The show also mentions some violence in passing, though it never shows it onscreen. Despite those blemishes, the show's heart still points toward grace, humility, and the truth that people matter more than the scoreboard.
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Dominant Worldview and Other Worldview Content/Elements
Strong Moral and biblical worldview where one man sticks up for kids playing baseball, there is also a pro-family atmosphere throughout the series
Foul Language
Two obscenities, once when “Jesus” is said and another when “I should just screw myself” is said
Violence
Mentions of light violence like when a character hit a ground ball and hit a player in the face knocking their two front teeth out. Another time when Renna gave a kid with a peanut allergy a granola bar with peanuts in it, and lastly when he lost a kid
Sex
No sex
Nudity
No nudity
Alcohol Use
No alcohol use
Smoking and/or Drug Use and Abuse
No smoking or drug abuse;
Miscellaneous Immorality
Slander.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Renna is the "new guy" and gets ragged on by the other coaches. How should we respond when we're treated unfairly for trying to do the right thing? 1 Peter 3:9
Renna wants the kids to fall in love with baseball, not just win. What's the difference between chasing a result and chasing the right heart behind something? Colossians 3:23
The commissioner seems to be "out to get" Renna for having good intentions. Have you ever been criticized for doing something for the right reasons? How did you handle it? Matthew 5:16
Danielle supports her husband through his nerves and even makes him a backup batch of cookies, expecting he'll mess up. What does that kind of grace and preparation say about a good marriage? Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
The Final Word
Overall, this show works well for the whole family. Anyone who loves baseball or THE SANDLOT will feel real nostalgia in every episode. The episodes stay light-hearted and funny, and moral and biblical values fill each one. Parents should know: two obscenities and several mentions of light violence show up, so keep little ears in mind.
